Black Balsam Benchmark Mystery Cache

This is a very popular area, so please be stealthy when retrieving the cache.

The views from this cache are incredible! The elevation of Black Balsam Knob is 6,214 feet above sea level.

The cache is located near the benchmark on top of Black Balsam Knob. The posted coordinates are for the benchmark, not the container. The correct coordinates for the container can be found as follows.

N 35º 19.A 7 B
W 082º 52.4 E

The name of this benchmark is stamped just below the center of the marker.
A= number of letters in the first word of the benchmark name.
B= number of letters in the second word of the benchmark name.

E: Count the number of letters in all the words on the outer rim of wording on the marker. Multiply by 2. This is C. Take the last two digits of the year stamped on the marker. This is D. C + D - 2 = E

During winter months, be sure to check whether the Blue Ridge Parkway is open. Call 828-298-0398; press 1, then 3. The Forest Service access road to Black Balsam Knob intersects the Parkway between Milepost 412 (U.S. 276, Wagon Road Gap) and Milepost 423 (NC 215, Beech Gap).